The Iowa Hawkeyes have not even opened their 2026 season, yet the program is already at the center of a national debate. ESPN personality Paul Finebaum has raised doubts about whether Iowa can live up to expectations.
Finebaum questioned Iowa’s place at No. 22, focusing heavily on the offense and, more specifically, the quarterback position. With Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown competing for the starting job, the Hawkeyes enter the season with one of their biggest questions unanswered.
Iowa has built its reputation on defense, physical football and disciplined execution, but competing with the strongest teams in the Big Ten requires more than simply keeping games close. Michigan, Ohio State and Washington are waiting later in the schedule, creating a difficult test for an offense that must find another gear.
Finebaum’s argument was that Iowa can continue beating opponents by playing its traditional style, but the margin becomes smaller when the Hawkeyes face elite teams. If the offense cannot consistently produce explosive plays or reach the 30-point mark when necessary, he believes Iowa could struggle to survive the conference’s toughest matchups.
That criticism caught the attention of George Kittle.
The former Iowa tight end has never hidden his affection for the program that helped launch his NFL career. Kittle pointed toward something Iowa has consistently possessed: an identity that does not depend on outside approval.
The Hawkeyes enter the new season after finishing 2025 with a 9-4 record and a 6-3 mark in Big Ten play. Their four losses were decided by a combined 15 points, showing how competitive Iowa remained even when the results did not go its way.
The season ended on a high note when Iowa defeated No. 14 Vanderbilt 34-27 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The victory helped the Hawkeyes finish No. 17 in the final Associated Press poll.
Defense remains central to that foundation.
Phil Parker’s unit was among the nation’s best last season, allowing only 15.6 points and 280.4 total yards per game. Those numbers show why Iowa has remained competitive without a high-volume passing attack.
Kittle’s response, therefore, was less about pretending Iowa has no weaknesses and more about embracing the doubt.
Finebaum returned to the quarterback competition and the challenges ahead. Iowa must answer questions along the defensive line, improve offensively and survive a stretch that could define the season.
Kittle then delivered the line everyone remembered.
“Keep doubting Iowa. We like it better.”
Seven words captured the attitude that has surrounded Iowa football for years.
The Hawkeyes have routinely been criticized for being too conservative, too reliant on defense and insufficiently explosive. Yet they have continued finding ways to win, develop players and remain relevant in the Big Ten under Ferentz.
Now the program has a chance to settle the argument where it matters most: on the field.
Iowa begins the season September 5 against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. The opener starts a three-game home stretch, with Iowa State visiting on September 12 and Northern Iowa arriving one week later.
Those games should help Iowa build confidence before the schedule gets tougher.
The first major examination arrives September 26 at Michigan. Ohio State then visits Kinnick Stadium on October 3, followed by a trip to Washington on October 9.
That stretch could determine whether Iowa’s preseason ranking looks justified or overly generous.
The quarterback battle will remain under the microscope until Ferentz makes his decision. Hecklinski has attracted attention during camp, while Brown remains in the competition. Whoever wins the job will be expected to give Tim Lester’s offense enough consistency to complement Iowa’s defense.
The receiving corps, including Reece Vander Zee, will also have an important role. Iowa does not need to become one of college football’s most explosive offenses overnight, but it must become dangerous enough to punish defenses that load the box and challenge the Hawkeyes to throw.
That is the real test waiting for Iowa.
Finebaum has raised questions that cannot be dismissed, but Kittle’s message reflects the program’s longstanding mentality. Doubters are nothing new in Iowa City.
Soon, the Hawkeyes will have a chance to answer them directly.
